A “SANDUSKY” IN MY OWN BACK YARD?

Breaking news has been released today there were three arrests of coaching staff and youth pastors being arrested for sexual contact with minors in my hometown. Polk County is not a place one wants to be brought up on such charges. Most of the nation is familiar with the name of our Sheriff, Grady Judd. Grady does not condone child mistreatment of any kind.

It’s better for you to hear him tell it. He just has those facial expressions that leave nothing to the imagination as to the intent of his message. And he is not known for casually bringing up charges. He usually has already established enough evidence to make them hold, and that the case is fit to take to trial.

The article explains that the senior pastor of the church where the two youth pastors served is responsible for calling the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to report the possibility of inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor. It must have been a very difficult thing for him to do, yet a brave thing, and the RIGHT thing. Knowing it might cast a dark cloud over his church, he still stood up to do what was right.

I am growing quite weary of all the reports rising up about child sexual abuse. Even if only one-tenth of the incidents are true, that is ten percent too many. We absolutely must become more cognizant of caring for the innocent children. Sexual abuse, domestic violence—far too many are being stripped of their innocence, their safety, or perhaps their very lives. How many are committing suicide and taking their secrets to the grave? We must protect the children. We cannot expect them to be responsible for their own safety and protection.

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Carolyn is an advocate for sexual/domestic violence and assault awareness, also focusing on child sexual abuse. She is a Life Direction & Empowerment Coach, working with victims and survivors of molestation, sexual assault, domestic violence or spousal abuse, and bringing training to organizations seeking to help victims. Hennecy spent much time during October 2011, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with media doing radio and television interviews. See Carolyn’s interview with Gayle Guyardo of NBC Channel 8 News Today Early Morning Show and her featured segment on the ABC Action News Emmy Award winning “Taking Action Against Domestic Violence” at orangeblossomwishes.com.